Medical Instrument Clamp Locking for Stable Position and Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical instruments face challenges in maintaining a stable position and orientation during minimally invasive procedures, requiring manual control which can prolong procedures and cause patient injury.
Innovation Solution
Medical devices with clamps and fixation members that lock into position, using actuators to secure medical instruments relative to a subject, and mechanisms to maintain orientation and reduce manual manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If manual control of the medical instrument is used to maintain stable position, then position stability is improved, but procedure time increases and patient injury risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation member is configured to automatically engage with the medical instrument and lock into a locked position, maintaining stable positioning without requiring continuous manual control. The actuator enables the fixation member to transition between unlocked and locked states, allowing the device to self-maintain position during the procedure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If manual control of the medical instrument is used to maintain stable position, then position stability is improved, but patient safety worsens due to injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation member automatically secures the medical instrument in a stable position, eliminating the need for continuous manual manipulation that could cause patient injury. The device self-maintains positioning throughout the procedure, reducing harmful factors associated with manual control.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixation member extends into the channel to lock position, then position stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation member is extracted as a separate, movable component that can be independently actuated to engage or disengage from the channel. This allows the locking function to be added without permanently increasing the complexity of the main clamp body, as the fixation member can be locked in position when needed and retracted when not required.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The devices stabilize the position and orientation of medical instruments, reducing the need for manual control and minimizing slippage, thus enhancing procedure efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator is configured to control delivery of a pressurized medium to the one or more flexible membranes. The one or more flexible membranes are configured to expand into the channel of the clamp.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device that includes a clamp having a body defining a channel and a fixation member that is configured to move relative to the body from an unlocked position to a locked position. The medical device includes an actuator coupled to the fixation member and configured to move the fixation member from the unlocked position to the locked position. The fixation member extends at least partially into or radially outward from the channel in response to moving from the unlocked position to the locked position.